When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The best stories from Exeter Crown Court

Prosecutor Robert Redfurn said the case related to Basset Farm in Chilsworthy near Holsworthy.

Laine Shepherd owned the eight-acre smallholding and kept pigs, sheep and chickens on the site.

But after a complaint was made about a caravan on the site the council served an enforcement notice in January 2017 telling Laine to stop using the site for residential purposes.

The trial was told the council had been in a lengthy correspondence with her prior to the notice and warned her to get planning permission for the caravan.

In response Laine said she was 'not a member of your society or any other than the society of mankind'.

Chilsworthy (Google)

She said her only duty was to 'Our father almighty God' not Torridge District Council. She then quoted Matthew 'No man can serve two masters'. The letter then said anyone trespassing on her property would be fined £450.

When the council tried to get more information about who lived on the land and what it was being used for Laine Shepherd allegedly refused to answer but said she would share some information for £10,000.

Mr Redfern said that by December 2017 Basset Farm had its own Facebook page which indicated it was operating as a campsite.

He said the enforcement notice was served in January 2017 after meetings with Laine had failed to resolve the matter.

The couple were given six months to comply but allegedly failed, said the prosecutor.